What are my chances at in-state Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tennessee) and University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Michigan)? They're the most selective colleges I am applying to, but also the ones I want to go to the most.

I will be applying regular decision for both, and if it gives you any idea I have already been accepted into Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana) and Penn State (University Park, Pennsylvania), choosing to major in aerospace engineering (for Vanderbilt, it will be mechanical engineering).

Public High School in Nashville, Tennessee White male

Current Weighted GPA: 96.1389 (will probably end with 96.9-97.0) Current Unweighted QPA: 3.8056 (will definitely end with 3.8333) Class rank: approximately 6 of 300 (top 2%)

You're on the lower end of their SAT range (Michigan/Vanderbilt) but your rank/GPA is impressive. Your ECs are weak... it looks like you have essentially one, music... a good one but nonetheless one. All in all, I think it's a decent, but not a great shot. Maybe 50/50? That's really not based on very much though, I don't know a great deal about the two schools, but I figured I'd give it a prod anyways.

I was just wondering if someone could evaluate me and my chances to eother of these schools: Fordham and Ithaca

GPA: 3.2 (it is an 88.9 so I have no idea what that would be in terms of gpa)(i just guessed) Sat: 1100 but i'm going to take them again hopefully to break a 1200 -I speak three different languages -part of National Honor Society - Took 2 AP's junior year (3 were offered) -Three AP'S senior year 4 offered)

Clubs

- I have been involved with the International Club (secratary for one year), Yearbook club for 2 diff. schools, Literary Magazine Club

Awards

-Received the Highest Average Award for English in 9th grade

Summer Activities

-took part in Congressional Student Leadership Conference on Medicine and Healthcare -Camp Counsler at a religious program camp (volunteer)

Work

-intern at an office in my town that is part of an important organization

Volunteer Work

-volunteer tutor and mentor

Just be really honest because I am really stressing (I am also open to any suggestions on where you think I would be able to get into if not these schools-I am interested in a college that offers pre-med or somewhere where I can take classes to get into med school)

I'm pretty sure you'll get into Michigan. Vanderbilt I don't know as much about. However, I read an article about Michigan's system of acceptance-- though it was changed around a bit after the whole point system affirmative action stuff-- it is clear that Michigan puts the most stock in your GPA. GPA on the points system was worth 80, and SAT was a maximum of 10 or something. Though the points system is no longer in place, the university obviously has not changed its philosiphy. I think you're solid.

Thanks for responding. My gpa is 3.2 and my class ranking is 18 /65. My senior year grades are great but I actually got one bad grade that was a 63 in math. I have been having a difficult time at home (somene passed away) but I don't think that will help explain it much. Despite my math grade my others are 90 in AP Biology, 94 in AP Economics, 88 (unweighted) in Spanish IV, 100 in Scientific Research, and 82 (unweighted) in AP Literature and Composition. I have been reallly worried about that math grade, but it looks like second semester I will have close to a 90. Will that help me at all? Am I reaching too high for Fordham or Ithaca?

I don't think you're reaching too high for Fordham or Ithaca. If you can improve your SAT score about 50-100 points it would really help, I'd say you have a slightly better chance at Fordham, but its not much better than 50-67%, imho.

I am just worried about getting in because of my gpa. Other kids from my school who want to got to Fordham have higher gpa's. I guess my concern is caused by the fact that I realize hey won't take all four of us. What do think about my class rank. Is it really bad?

Hey Guys! Im a high school junior at one of the best Catholic High Schools In Cleveland. My first two years I was really focused on sports and thought that I would get a sports scholarship. However I did not focus on my grades but i maintaned a steady G.P.A In my junior year i have a 3.2 and going into my next term I have 2 AP Classes and I am taking a college political science class at my local community college. I love people and I love politics. Im taking test preparation for both the SAT and ACT and i really wanna go to a good school. So in order to achieve that goal I gave up basketball and last year i got my letter in track but this year i dunno if I should track again because i think i should focus on my studies so i can raise my GPA and do good on my SAT and ACT. I have awesome EC's. Im involved in my community through political organizations as well as my local nursing home. This summer I am applying to Junior Statesman and I am goin on a missions Trip to Tawain. My question for anyone out there is am I making good choices? Do u think i should run track this year? And being African American not to be racist to anyone out there im just very curious will it be hard for me to get in to a school LIKE GEORGETOWN, AMERICAN, OR MICHIGAN those are my choices. Plus my brother graduated from U of M. WUT DO U GUYS THINK???

ECs - Interact & CSF member; I play oboe and clarinet in basically a different band every day after school (community band, youth symphony, brass & reed, jazz ensemble, honor band, private lessons @ UOP)

Worked for elderly (as in 103 yrs elderly) lady doing housework and personally assisting her for all four yrs.

Extensive travel; UCSC screenwriting seminar

Recs should be good; I have one really stellar essay and others that aren't all that special

well thats about it - I know my ECs aren't particularly varied (and since my scores aren't as high as many Ivy applicants, I'm a bit worried). Should I bother applying to Princeton? Or Yale for that matter, which I have been considering? or should I save the money...(All those names on the Common App are so tempting) I'd appreciate your comments.

I think that for the OP admission to vandy is dependent on what school you are looking at. If it is A&S, the admission percentage is somewhere in the 30 to 40 percent rage and somewhat higher at other schools. Legacies are very hard to determine, what if any impact, it could have. Usually depends on what amount of money could be left to the school

Does one's major really matter when they're applying? Would I have a better chance if I were to apply as say, psychology, than what I am doing (aerospace engineering)? or do the adcoms realize that the average college student changes majors 3-4 times and they only look at the pool of applicants in general.

i'm still waiting for U of M... i applied november 15th with 1490 SAT 766 SAT II average 4.01 GPA Weighted (3.99 unweighted) Good EC's, Good essays, i hope I live in Malaysia and both my parents went to U of M. But i'm still waiting.